What is a FLAC file?
A FLAC file is a free-to-use audio file compressed in the Free Lossless Audio Codec (FLAC) format. This format is an open-source lossless audio compression format, which is similar to an MP3 file but is compressed without any loss in quality or original audio data. FLAC reduces the size by roughly 60 percent and makes downloading faster, and this file is a widely supported format across platforms. FLAC files work similarly to MP3 or WMA files; however, FLAC files maintain better sound quality, and the audio is compressed up to half of its size without hurting the quality of the music. Hence why the .flac format is referred to as a “lossless format”. Because of the losslessness, the FLAC file is popular with owners of instrumental or classical music collections where the smallest tonal changes have a great impact. They create FLAC copies of their audio tracks to ensure high-quality data restoration.
How to Open FLAC Files
How to Make FLAC Files
Exact steps for creating FLAC files will vary by program and operating system. Download one of the above listed programs and you should be able to follow typical procedure for opening files or creating files from the File menu. Typically you will select File > Open or File > New and continue through the prompts. Some programs may follow a different procedure for either creation or opening of files.